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Articles by Michael McDaniel
Texas Tech Shares Devastating Update on Star JT Toppin After Injury vs. Arizona State
Fresh off a 78–75 overtime road win against then-No. 1 Arizona over the weekend, No. 13 Texas Tech was upset 72–67 on the road by Arizona State on Tuesday night in Tempe. The upset loss for the Red Raiders, which marked the Sun Devils' first victory over a ranked opponent since Jan. 2025, was one thing. But the bigger story coming out of the contest was the well-being of Red Raiders star JT Toppin, who fell awkwardly while driving to the basket with just over six minutes to play in the game.
Bulls Players Take Offense to Late-Game Giannis Windmill in Loss to Bucks
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made his return to the lineup on Saturday night against the Bulls for the first time since suffering a calf strain in a Dec. 3 win over the Pistons. Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and added eight rebounds in his return, but it was his final two points in the 112-103 victory over Chicago that emerged as the postgame storyline.
James Franklin Is Not Happy About Big Ten Media Days Being in Las Vegas
Penn State head football coach James Franklin has never been afraid to speak his mind. So it's no surprise that the Nittany Lions head coach came to the defense of the media on Wednesday when discussing his displeasure about Big Ten Media Days taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada this year. In recent years, the annual preseason media event for the league has been set in Indianapolis. Before Indianapolis? Chicago. Those locations, in the heart of Big Ten country, made a lot of sense.
The sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by Jacksonville real estate developer Patrick Zalupski is on track to be finalized as soon as September, according to a report from Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The sale, which will be for around $1.7 billion, is expected to keep the team in the Tampa Bay area-with a strong preference to be in Tampa proper rather than St. Petersburg, per the report.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Requires Surgery One Day After Signing Massive Extension
Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., who signed a five-year, $240 million max extension on Monday, sustained a turf toe injury while playing off-site of the team's facility and will need a surgical procedure to repair the injury, according to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes. The Grizzlies confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday night. "The Memphis Grizzlies today provided the following medical update on Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr..
Suns Won’t Commit to Trading Kevin Durant to a Preferred Destination
The Phoenix Suns are working with Kevin Durant and his agent and business manager, Rich Kleiman, in trade talks as the Suns look to move on from the 36-year-old 15-time all-star. Durant has presented the Suns with a list of preferred destinations. That list includes the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat. While the Suns would like to help Durant and send him to a destination of his choice, they're not committed to it.
Knicks 'Might Circle Back' to Two Employed Head Coaches Despite Earlier Rejections
The New York Knicks' coaching search rolls on. After the team reached out to franchises with sitting head coaches and was met with several rejections, the Knicks are set to interview former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins next week, according to a report from James L. Edwards of The Athletic.
Breanna Stewart Is Eager to Go Head-to-Head With Lynx After Hot Start to Season
The New York Liberty improved to a perfect 9-0 on the season with an 85-66 win over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night in a Commissioner's Cup tilt at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Sabrina Ionescu scored 23 points and added seven assists, while Breanna Stewart had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the 19-point win.
Brian Windhorst Identifies Potential Candidates for Open New York Knicks Coaching Job
The New York Knicks fired coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday after a six-game defeat to the Indiana Pacers in the franchise's first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. Despite taking the Knicks to the cusp of the NBA Finals, owner James Dolan and president of basketball operations Leon Rose chose to move in a different direction with the franchise that is currently in win-now mode. ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes that the Knicks job is as compelling as it is complex.
First Look at EA College Football 26 Cover, Including Deluxe Version
EA Sports 'College Football 26' will be released this summer. Here's the first look at the cover, featuring Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. EA Sports announced Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as cover athletes for College Football 26, which is set to be released this summer. This is the second edition of the video game since its return last summer following nearly a decade hiatus.
Jets Star Mark Scheifele Questionable for Game 6 After Sudden Death of Father
The Jets forward lost his dad unexpectedly on Friday, and his status is up in the air for Game 6 on Saturday. Winnipeg Jets star forward Mark Scheifele is questionable for Saturday's Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Stars after losing his father, Brad, unexpectedly on Friday night, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said before morning skate on Saturday.
Thunder GM Sam Presti Wins NBA Executive of the Year
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has won the 2024-25 NBA Executive of the Year award. It is the first time that Presti has ever earned the honor. Presti, who is in his 18th season with the franchise, put together a roster that went a league-best 68-14 in the regular season and is the odds-on favorite across multiple sportsbooks to capture the NBA title thanks to star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is a candidate to win NBA MVP.
Big 12 Board of Directors to Extend Contract of Commissioner Brett Yormark
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors has agreed to a three-year contract extension with league commissioner Brett Yormark, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Yormark, who has been under contract since 2022, had an initial deal set to run through 2027. He's now locked in through the 2030 season as the leader of the Big 12 conference. Yormark took the job as conference commissioner from Bob Bowlsby and has ushered the league into a new era during conference realignment.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman Opens Up on Career-Saving Conversation With Brandon Graham
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman selected defensive end Brandon Graham with the 13th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, one that the young general manager was criticized for at the time. Graham retired in March after winning his second Super Bowl title in his 15 seasons with the Eagles. It's safe to say that it was a pick well-spent for Roseman. But early on, it didn't look that way.
Big 12 QB Reportedly Rejects Huge Tennessee Offer in Wake of Nico Iamaleava Departure
After Tennessee parted ways with quarterback Nico Iamaleava over a contract dispute stemming from NIL, the Volunteers reached out to the representatives for TCU starting quarterback Josh Hoover, according to a report from Steven Johnson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Per Johnson, Tennessee offered Hoover more than $1 million more than he currently makes to be TCU's starting quarterback, but Hoover was not interested.
Meredith Gaudreau, Wife of Johnny Gaudreau, Gives Birth to Third Child
Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of late former hockey star Johnny Gaudreau, gave birth to the couple's third child just seven months after the forward's death. Meredith Gaudreau posted the birth announcement on Instagram. "I had our third baby!" Gaudreau wrote. "Another baby boy. Carter Michael Gaudreau - same middle name as his daddy. 8 lb. 3 ounces, 20.5 inches - exact same as his daddy. He looks exactly like his daddy too. I love you so much baby! Wea re going to have so much fun.
Virginia Tech Starting QB Kyron Drones Ruled Out for Rest of Spring Practice
Virginia Tech Hokies starting quarterback Kyron Drones will miss the remainder of spring practice and is scheduled to undergo a "minor medical procedure," the program announced on Saturday. "Kyron Drones is scheduled to have a minor medical procedure and we've made the decision to hold him out for the remainder of spring practice," head coach Brent Pry said in a statement. "Kyron has demonstrated excellent leadership and has had an outstanding winter and spring.
LSU's Kim Mulkey Shared Heartfelt Message for Angel Reese After WNBA Draft Announcement
LSU head women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation for star forward Angel Reese, who declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday following the team's Elite Eight loss to Iowa on Monday night. "Champion. Soon to be graduate of LSU. Inspired countless individuals young & old. Keep growing the game [Angel Reese]. Forever LSU," Mulkey posted on Instagram. This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 8:50 PM.
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. Calls Out 'Idiots' Complaining About Torpedo Bats
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm took to social media to criticize baseball fans who have questioned New York's use of their new "torpedo bats." The barrel of the torpedo bats are slightly larger than the barrel of the standard bats that the team ( and the rest of baseball) have historically used. Major League Baseball said that the bats are legal, as New York did not expand the barrel outside of the written rules.
Ravens Signing Veteran Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to One-Year Contract
The Baltimore Ravens are signing veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a one-year deal, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Awuzie, an eight-year NFL veteran, played in eight games for the Tennessee Titans last season, making seven starts. He made 26 combined tackles and recorded a forced fumble and an interception. In eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and with the Titans, he has tallied 395 combined tackles and seven career interceptions.
Two-Time Heavyweight Champion George Foreman Dead at 76
Two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman died on Friday at the age of 76, according to multiple reports. The Foreman family announced the news in a post on Instagram. "Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
Cam Ward Speaks Glowingly About Possibility of Playing for One NFC South Team
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is expected to be one of the top signal-callers selected in April's NFL draft, and with several teams interested in selecting him, one has stood out for him thus far: The New Orleans Saints. Ward met with Saints officials last month and the NFL combine, and spoke about the experience as he accepted the Manning Award on Monday night in New Orleans. "I loved watching Drew Brees and [Marques] Colston out there," Ward said on Monday night, via NOLA.com.
Braves Sign Veteran Catcher James McCann to Minor League Contract
The Atlanta Braves are signing veteran catcher James McCann to a minor league contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. McCann, 34, is an 11-year veteran and played in 65 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season, where he batted .234 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 214 plate appearances. The Braves' catching situation heading into Opening Day later this month was becoming dire. Starting catcher Sean Murphy is set to start the season on the injured list.
T.J. McConnell Gave Blunt, Self-Deprecating Answer on Pacers' Struggles vs Bucks
The Indiana Pacers fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, 126-119, on Saturday night in one of the most important games remaining on the schedule for Indiana. It was a winnable game, one that would have earned the Pacers sole possession of fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Indiana was done in by poor bench play, as its second unit was outscored 35-18 by Milwaukee's bench.
Panthers Star Matthew Tkachuk Out for Season Due to 4 Nations Face-Off Injury
Florida Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who injured his groin in the 4 Nations Face-Off during the All-Star break, will miss the rest of the regular season, the team announced on Monday. "Matthew's going to be out for an extended period of time. We hope to get him back for the playoffs," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said, per ESPN. The 27-year-old Tkachuk was placed on long-term injured reserve on Sunday. Tkachuk is second on the team with 57 points through 52 games this season.
Lakers Wing Austin Reaves Leaves Game vs. Clippers, MRI Up Next
Los Angeles Lakers wing Austin Reaves exited the first quarter of Friday night's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers with a right calf injury. Reaves had six points and a block in nine minutes before leaving the game. Reaves was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest, and is set to undergo an MRI on Saturday, according to a report from ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The injury to Reaves comes at a brutal time for the Lakers.
Eagles Plan to Celebrate Super Bowl Win With White House Visit
The Philadelphia Eagles plan to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs with a visit to the White House, a source told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "We would be honored to visit the White House," a team source texted Breer. "It's one of those things we had looked forward to doing and we look forward to receiving the invitation." Re: The @Eagles visiting the White House, a team source texted me, "We would be honored to visit the White House.
Athletics Manager Mark Kotsay Earns Contract Extension
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay signed an extension with the franchise through the 2028 season, the team announced on Monday. The new deal for Kotsay includes a club option for the '29 season. The 2025 season marks the fourth season at the helm for Kotsay, who has been at the center of leading the franchise through a tumultuous time that saw the A's leave Oakland for Las Vegas.
Notre Dame Hires Key Lions Personnel Executive for College General Manager Role
The University of Notre Dame is hiring Detroit Lions director of scouting advancement Mike Martin as the program's new general manager, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Martin is replacing Chad Bowden, who left Notre Dame in January to take the same position at USC. Martin was tasked with helping rebuild the roster of the Detroit Lions, who have become one of the best teams in the NFC.
Steph Curry Had Honest Answer About How Weird it is to Play Against Klay Thompson
The Golden State Warriors fell to the Dallas Mavericks, 111-107, on Wednesday night as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson faced off once again as opponents. It has gotten a little less weird for Curry, who was a teammate of Thompson for 13 years with the Warriors and won four championships with his former sidekick. But Curry, after scoring 25 points in the loss, discussed the lingering strange feeling of facing off against Thompson.
UNLV Confirms Death of Senior Offensive Lineman Ben Christman
UNLV senior offensive lineman Ben Christman has died at the age of 21, the program confirmed on Wednesday. Christman was found dead in an off-campus apartment on Tuesday. Christman's family and team have been informed, and a cause of death has yet to be determined by the Clark County Coroner's office. Christman, a former 4-star offensive line prospect, was entering his fifth and final season of eligibility after stops at Ohio State and Kentucky.
Tigers Starter Alex Cobb Will Likely Miss Opening Day Due to Injury
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Alex Cobb, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal this offseason, will likely miss Opening Day due to right hip inflammation. According to the team's injury report at Spring Training on Wednesday, Cobb received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection last week to address the issue. The inflammation occurred as he was "building his throwing volume" for spring training. Manager A.J. Hinch told the media that Cobb is unlikely to be ready by Opening Day.
Jaguars Agree to Contract Extension With Team President Amid Organizational Turnover
The Jacksonville Jaguars, fresh off a very disappointing 4-13 season, fired head coach Doug Pederson, and eventually, general manager Trent Baalke. Since then, the Jaguars hired former Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach, but have yet to find a new general manager. Early reports indicated that Coen would work with the organization to find a new general manager.
Nike Celebrates Eagles Super Bowl With 'It's Good to Be Green' Television Ad
The Philadelphia Eagles captured Super Bowl LIX with a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. It was a dominant performance by the Eagles, who once led 40-6 in a contest that was never in doubt beginning late in the second quarter. The Eagles put together one of the greatest performances in a Super Bowl defensively, dominating the Chiefs' offensive line to the tune of six sacks and six additional tackles for loss in the win.
Brian Kelly Denies Allegations Made by Greg Brooks Jr.'s Father
LSU head football coach Brian Kelly issued a strong denial to claims made by former player Greg Brooks Jr.'s father that the Tigers head coach has not been in contact with the family since Brooks Jr.'s brain tumor. Brooks and his father, Greg Brooks Sr., have sued LSU for negligence around the circumstances leading to Brooks's diagnosis of a brain tumor. Brooks Sr. and that Kelly has not been present since Brooks Jr.'s operation. "My son almost lost his life. Coach, where were you?" Brooks Sr. said.
Hawks Star Jalen Johnson Suffers Season-Ending Shoulder Injury
Atlanta Hawks fourth-year wing Jalen Johnson is set to miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, according to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes. Johnson suffered the injury in a Jan. 23 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Breaking: Atlanta Hawks young star Jalen Johnson has suffered a torn labrum in left shoulder and will miss rest of the season, league sources tell @ChrisBHaynes.
Ex-Dolphins LB Shared a Hilariously On-Brand Nick Saban Bathroom Story
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder had former coach Nick Saban on The Pivot Podcast this week, a show that Crowder hosts with retired pros Ryan Clark and Fred Taylor. Crowder, who played under Saban with the Dolphins, shared an incredible story about an interaction that he had with his coach in the bathroom at the team facility. "I was in the bathroom at [the] Dolphins facility, and I was playing on my phone," Crowder began.
Paul Pierce Casually Tears Down Lakers While Watching Celtics-Clippers
Former Boston Celtics great Paul Pierce never shies away from an opportunity to throw shade at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers and Celtics, of course, are longtime bitter rivals. The rivalry came to a head twice in Pierce's Hall of Fame career in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics capturing the title in 2008 and the Lakers defeating the Celtics in '10.
Kevin Durant Made Victor Wembanyama Look Silly With Sweet Move
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant relished the opportunity to face second-year San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama on Tuesday night, and Durant and the Suns came through with a 104-93 win. Nearing the midway point in the second quarter, Durant caught the ball on the wing with Wembanyama defending him.
Projecting the College Football Playoff Rankings for Week 14
In the penultimate Saturday of the regular season in college football, seven of the top 20 teams in the sport lost. With upsets abound, there are plenty of changes expected when the newest College Football Playoff rankings are revealed on Tuesday night. Here's Sports Illustrated's latest CFP poll projection after an action-packed Saturday across the sport. The Projected Ranking 1. Oregon Ducks: 11-0 (8-0 Big Ten) This Week: Idle Week 14: Home vs. Washington 2.
Nick Saban Discusses Return of Tua Tagovailoa to Miami Dolphins Starting Lineup
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup for Sunday's home game against the Arizona Cardinals. Much has been made of Tagovailoa's return, with plenty of questions abound about whether or not he's making the best decision for his health given his concussion history. However, Tagovailoa wants to play and will once again have an opportunity to do that this Sunday.
Stephen A. Smith Reacts to Adrian Wojnarowski's Sudden Departure From ESPN
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith was as shocked as the rest of the NBA world by Adrian Wojnarowski's surprise retirement as a reporter, as Wojnarowski now moves into a new field of basketball administration as the new general manager of St. Bonaventure men's basketball. Smith has worked closely with Wojnarowski over the years in their NBA coverage with the network, and Smith, while disappointed, couldn't be happier for his colleague and friend.
Dominique Wilkins Had Blunt Message for Players Who '(Expletive)' on Past Generations
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins has not taken kindly to how today's NBA stars speak about past generations of NBA players. Wilkins appeared on the All the Smoke podcast this week to discuss his gripes with how former NBA stars are talked about among today's NBA players. "You know what? We give all eras their respect," Wilkins said. "Because we had to learn from somebody, right? So we learned from the guys before us. So we always appreciate basketball and everything.
Damar Hamlin Earns First Start for Bills Since Returning From Cardiac Arrest
Less than two years removed from entering into cardiac arrest on the field during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin will open the 2024 season as one of the starting safeties for the Buffalo Bills alongside Taylor Rapp, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed to reporters on Wednesday.
Robert Griffin III Reacts to ESPN Firing by Posting Epic Clip on Social Media
ESPN fired former quarterback-turned-football analyst Robert Griffin III on Thursday, along with NFL Countdown host Samantha Ponder for budgetary reasons, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. Griffin, who had two years remaining on his contract with the network, had become a staple on studio programming and in the booth as a color commentator for college football.
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